Breastfeeding can bewilder even experienced moms.
Here are five questions moms frequently ask – plus answers to help you understand why breastfeeding is important and information to make it the best experience possible.
1. What makes breast milk important?
Breast milk contains the right amount of nutrients for babies, provides infection-fighting antibodies and is gentle on a developing stomach, intestines and other body systems. Breastfeeding also benefits the parent by reducing the risk of certain cancers and helping reduce the risk of postpartum bleeding.
2. How do I get started breastfeeding?
Healthy babies are ready to begin breastfeeding in the first couple hours after birth. A sleepy phase is normal after birth.
Babies will still show feeding cues, even while sleepy. Lactation consultants and nurses can help new parents identify these first, subtle feeding cues.
Skin-to-skin contact in the first few days can help with milk production and baby’s latch among other benefits to babies and parents.
3. What should I expect during the first week of breastfeeding?
A baby will eat at least eight to 12 times a day, and often not at regular intervals or times. Feedings may last anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes and some may be grouped together in cluster feedings. These cluster feedings are normal and help to establish milk supply. The antibody-rich first milk is called colostrum.
Breast milk production increases dramatically about two to four days after birth. This is what people refer to as their milk coming in. It’s important when milk first comes in to remove it from the breasts often by breastfeeding on demand or pumping. This tells the body how much milk it will need to make to nourish the baby.
4. How can I help my baby latch on?
在分娩和母乳喂养的最初几个小时内，皮肤与皮肤之间的直接接触是最好的开始。一有饥饿感的迹象就抓住它也会帮助宝宝做得更好。一个好的插销需要哺乳者和婴儿双方的练习。了解良好的门闩的迹象对于帮助母乳喂养成功和不痛苦是重要的。A lactation consultant can help evaluate a baby’s latch.
Breastfeeding basics:Getting baby to latch properly
If a baby gets too hungry, latching can be difficult. Early signs of hunger include eyes batting in sleep, being awake, licking lips, rooting and hand-to-mouth activity. Crying is a late sign of hunger.
When breasts feel engorged, or full, the areola and nipple may become tight, making it harder for a baby to latch on. It can help to massage the breasts, manually express some milk or use a breast pump for a few minutes before nursing.
5. How long should a baby nurse?
最好让宝宝来决定节奏。每个婴儿需要的喂养次数会有所不同。试图强迫母乳喂养的婴儿适应特定的时间表会导致体重增加不佳和母乳供应减少。婴儿应该一直吃到自己释放。自我超脱会增加婴儿喝高脂肪牛奶的数量。
Babies that suck nonstop may self-detach in 10 minutes, while other babies may take more than 30 minutes to finish with one breast. A baby will often breastfeed for a shorter time at the second breast or not want it at all. Breastfeeders should switch between which breast is offered first.
Sanford Health offers support for every mom, whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping or formula feeding.Learn more about lactation services.
Learn more
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Posted InChildren's,Pregnancy,Specialty Care,Women's
